Three children molested in day-care facility

This case involved a day-care facility with one of its employees alleged to have molested three children.

We investigated the matter off the record by interviewing the local police (special victims unit), the children, their parents, day-care personnel and management in addition to sending medical records to a forensic psychologist.

Our investigation led us to believe that the allegations had merit and the matter was resolved by all agreeing to mediation with full confidentiality.

Demand
$100,000

Offer
None

Result
Defendant employer’s motion for summary judgment granted

Venue
Westmoreland County

Judge
Ackerman

Attorney
Paul J. Walsh III

Date
March 1997

Employment practices / defamation

A county worker sued his employer alleging defamation after an unsatisfactory performance review.

The employer took the position that the Plaintiff had numerous unaccountable absences and had lied about the same.

Demand
Wage and medical benefits

Result
Benefits denied

Venue
Erie County

Judge
Lugo

Date
December 2003

Workers’ compensation / petition for wage loss and medical benefits

The Claimant alleged a spinal cord injury in the course of his employment as a stock person.

As this was a questionable claim, the Defendant denied benefits. Investigation of the claim revealed that the Claimant was laid off the morning of his injury and mentioned to other employees that he “might suffer an injury later on in the day”. In addition, the accident was not witnessed and the occurrence of the accident was a departure from the employer’s usual practices in handling machinery.